joyful

adjective

joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl 

: experiencing, causing, or showing joy : happy

a joyful crowd

joyful faces

a joyful occasion

joyfully

ˈjȯi-fə-lē 

adverb

joyfulness noun

Synonyms of joyful

• thankful
• delighted
• happy
• pleased
• glad
• satisfied
• joyous

Examples of joyful in a Sentence

We were joyful at the news.

the news of the child's safe return made us all joyful

Recent Examples on the Web

Honestly, that’s been a really joyful thing for me, in this funny way, the Sugar Ray thing. — Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026

Gianvito Rossi put on a cool, fun cocktail party to present its new collection of joyful shoes that reimagined some of its most iconic styles, as the brand celebrates 20 years. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026

Its joyful beat and message of giving yourself fully to the moment offer an enduring invitation to keep moving. — Qygwork, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2026

The rivers of people who crammed central Paris and their joyful enthusiasm rivaled other communal, though nonreligious, moments of celebration that marked France in recent decades. — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

joyful

adjective

joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl 

: feeling, causing, or showing joy

a joyful family reunion

joyfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

joyfulness noun